Ricotti & Albuquerque - First Wind (2025 Remaster)

A cherished cult favorite from 1971, First Wind stands as a remarkable fusion of jazz, rock, and folk, now available in an artist-sanctioned reissue newly remastered by Prof Stoned. This masterful collaboration pairs UK's premier vibraphonist Frank Ricotti with vocalist-songwriter Michael de Albuquerque (just before he joined ELO as their bassist), backed by an all-star lineup of British jazz luminaries including John Taylor on keyboards and Trevor Tomkins on drums. From the taut and laconic Give A Damn to their Cat Stevens-esque take on James Taylor's Lo And Behold, the album seamlessly blends experimental jazz-rock with thoughtful interpretations of classic songs.

Originally praised by Cream magazine for its elegant quartet sound and hailed as an absolute must by Hi-Fi News & Record Review, this definitive reissue includes nine bonus tracks featuring their complete John Peel BBC session, plus a 20-page booklet with track-by-track commentary from de Albuquerque himself.

RIYL Blood Sweat & Tears, Sweetwater, Gil-Scott Heron, Traffic